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Boost Energy Now! 20 Practical Tips for Fighting Fatigue

If you frequently feel fatigued, zapped of energy, then you might benefit from a new exercise program, a new hobby, or a vitamin regimen! Sometimes, chronic fatigue symptoms are related to diet.

Vitamin B12 deficiency makes you feel sluggish, confused and depressed. Often, you feel like you are in a fog, or fibro fog, as it’s called when you also have fibromyalgia, an illness that sometimes correlates with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Don’t let fatigue get in the way of work, school or your social life. More importantly, don’t fall into the habit of jolting yourself awake with caffeine, energy drinks or sugary snacks. You might get a quick high, a temporary one at that, but the resulting drop in energy will leave you more tired than you were before.

Below is a list of suggestions which have been compiled from Leo Babauta’s popular blog Zen Habits, along with a few other tidbits from other health-related sites:

1 Sing, sing a song… Don’t be shy about belting it out, whether in the car, in the break room or while washing the dishes!

3 Let the sun shine in. Our bodies are attuned to sunlight, as well as the absence of it. Dark lighting tells our brain that it’s time to rest and leaves us feeling sluggish. Indoor lighting, sunshine and even bright colors wake up our senses and keep us energized.

4 Walk around the block…and take your dog with you. If you don’t have time to run to the gym, then just run around the block! If you have a canine friend, grab the leash and bring him along. Caring for pets increases energy and reduces stress. Assuming you’re not allergic, of course.

5 Have a quick snooze, only avoid the bed. Rest sitting upright in a comfortable position, and you’re less likely to oversleep and wake up groggy and headache-y.

6 Chin up! Look on the bright side, and try not to focus on all the things in your life you wish were different. Even if you’re trying to lose weight, find a better job, or waiting for a test result, give yourself permission to be happy now.

7 Don’t oversleep. Set your alarm clock so that you wake up at the same time every day, regardless of whether you’re going to work or taking the day off. (Resist the urge to press the snooze button!) Irregular sleep patterns leave you feeling drowsy all day long. 8 Eat smaller meals. Heavy meals leave us feeling lethargic and full (flashback to last Thanksgiving). Instead, determine how many calories you plan on consuming in one day, and divide that number into 6 light vitamin-rich mini-meals. 9 Take a break from the rat race. Been sitting at your desk for hours? Get up, stretch your legs, and go to the water cooler for a few minutes. Another bright idea: instead of taking a one-week vacation, ask your boss about taking two or three long weekends throughout the year?

10 Drink your water. Speaking of the water cooler, bring a sports bottle with you, and fill it up when nobody’s looking. Allowing yourself to become dehydrated is one of the biggest sources of fatigue.

11 Lose weight. As if you needed another reason to worry about your weight: extra poundage is a burden on our health, energy levels and mental outlook. Next time you’re at the supermarket, pick up a 5-lb. or 10-lb. bag of flour, and imagine yourself losing…or gaining an equivalent amount of body fat. Let’s Move: Michelle Obama Moving On Up the Wal-Mart Aisles

12 Have a fruit salad…and remember the berries! Apples and berries are great sources of natural sugar that won’t weigh you down or leave you feeling exhausted later. Blue, purple and red berries also contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants known to increase energy.

13 Take your B vitamins. B complex vitamins, and particularly vitamin B12, are known to increase energy, mental clarity and boost the immune system. Foods which contain plenty of vitamin B12 are protein foods, such as meat, dairy, eggs and fish. Vegans or vegetarians are recommended to take B12 supplements in order to avoid getting B12 deficiency. 6 Must-Eat Foods for Die-Hard Vegans

14 Nix energy drinks. Energy drinks are no better for you than any other caffeinated beverages, though their manufacturers would have you believe otherwise. Avoid using energy drinks before a workout, and opt instead for a protein smoothie or a cool drink of water.

15 Jump in the shower. Nothing refreshes your senses more than a brisk power shower. Stuck at work? Go to the restroom and slap some cold water on your face for a quick pick-me-up. 16 Trade coffee for black tea. Researchers have proven what the ancient Chinese have known for centuries: that drinking small cups of black coffee throughout the day relieves stress and rejuvenates your body and mind. 17 Keep it wholly. Cut out white flour, white sugar and white rice, along with all other processed foods; they only sit in your gut for hours and spread infection, allergic reactions and fatigue. Opt instead for whole oats, brown rice, lentils and natural sweeteners like stevia and agave nectar. Can a Gluten-Free Diet Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia? 18 Have a breath mint. Peppermint is used by aromatherapists to awaken the mind and boost energy. Don’t have access to a health food store that sells essential oils? Stop by a drug store and pick up a peck of peppermint gum.

19 Unload. Feeling depressed? It might help to call up a friend that you haven’t heard from in a while, send an email to a close relative or chat with a colleague. If it’s something too personal to share with close friends, then schedule an appointment with a social worker.

20 Laugh it up! It’s hard to feel tired, depressed or down-in-the-dumps when there’s a smile on your face. Think of something funny you read recently, or check out today’s comics. Even a quick you-tube search for “comedy” is likely to result in something that will lift up your spirits.

Here are some more good tips on avoiding chronic fatigue, B12 deficiency and fibromyalgia: